The scar-faced man reached over and scratched her chin. "Of course I know. But don''t you get the feeling there''s someone in this room tonight who doesn''t


    belong?"


    May''s brows knit together as she nced over at the three people standing a little ways from the table.


    ra was already bracing herself to make a move when the boss suddenly spoke up. "Jules is someone important. I''m just curious-who''s this person taking his ce tonight?"


    ra let out a silent sigh of relief. So, the masked guy in front of her was he also a gatecrasher?


    Her heart pounded. Could it be Dn?


    But the man''s build was all wrong. If it were Dn, she would''ve known instantly.


    Just as she was puzzling it out, the man slowly took off his mask.


    The scar-faced man looked genuinely surprised, then frowned. "Jules? It really is you. But why-"


    The man just touched his own throat, hinting at an injury.


    The scar-faced man gave a relievedugh. "Just as long as you''re not Dn. The old man warned us over and over-Dn would do anything to get in. That kid means the world to him."


    The man-Jules-spoke up, his voice rough. "Where''s your best experiment?"


    But the scar-faced man didn''t bring it out. Instead, he stared at Jules. "Who hurt your throat, Jules?"


    "None of your business. I''ll give you a billion. Sell me the experiment."


    The scar-faced man was quiet for a few moments. Then he stood up. "Alright, alright, Jules. Money''s never an issue for you. Quick and easy. May, take Jules to see the experiment."


    May patted her chest, then shot Jules a half-yful, half-scolding look. "Come with me, Jules."


    Jules started forward, and ra and Charles hurried after him.


    But just then, the scar-faced man called out, "Jules, you''re sharp. You want me to believe you didn''t notice these two sneaking in? Why are you bringing them along?"


    Jules stopped and turned to look at


    ra and Charles. "I don''t know


    them," he rasped, his voice barely holding together. After a pause, he added I''m just here for the experiment. They''ve got nothing to do with me."  s


    ra finally got a good look at his face-so pale and sharp-edged, almost sinister. Definitely not a good quy, and he looked seriously weak. No wonder he''d show up here looking for a deal, desperate for a weapon.  s


    She still had no clue how dangerous this "experiment" might be.


    Jules stepped forward, but ra was quicker. She darted in and grabbed him by the throat.


    His eyes flew wide, and he almost coughed up blood on the spot. With his throat already injured, his face turned red in seconds.


    At the same time, Charles grabbed hold of May.<fn91e8> Follow current nov?ls on FindN0vel</fn91e8>


    The scar-faced man just watched, totally unfazed.


    ra''s nerves were on edge until May scoffed, "You really don''t get it, do you? You think the boss cares about my life or Jules''s?"


    As soon as she finished, gunfire erupted all around them-so many shots there was nowhere to hide.


    ra had thought having hostages would make the scar-faced man back off, but he didn''t hesitate at all.


    She jumped back, but before she


    could react, a shadow darted through the chaos. In a blink, she and Charles were both kicked back nearly six feet, almost losing thei Breath from the impact.  s